The 'Cheers' of Deli Business Turns 25 on Saturday

Felicia Cullen, Neal Cullen, Joe Berenato, Sharon Berenato, Sharon Cullen and Melissa Berenato represent three generations of the family working at Berenato's Corner Deli at the corner of First Street and Atlantic Avenue in Ocean City. Berenato's Corner Deli will mark its 25th anniversary in Ocean City with a community celebration on Saturday, July 13, 2013.

"Every summer, my family went to Ocean City, NJ for vacation. We used the same beach house for over 20 years. I can remember, from a very early age, that as soon as I could ride a bike ... I evolved into the family errand boy. How did they pay me? In treats from Berenato's Corner Deli."

He recounts spending spare change on a bonanza of freezer treats, and "if he was lucky enough," his brother might share some of his roast beef sub, one of the signature specialties of the business at the corner of First Street and Atlantic Avenue.

The blogger's experience pretty much sums up the allure of a hub for the seasonal community at the north end of Ocean City.

"We've always said that we have the greatest customers, and we do," says Sharon Berenato, co-owner of the deli, which is staffed by three generations of her family.

To thank its loyal customers, the deli is throwing a 25th anniversary party on Saturday, July 13.

The store invites anybody to stop by on Saturday for:

Prizes, giveaways, contests and free face-painting all day.

A drawing for a Platinum Detail Package for your car from Admiral Nissan valued at $250. A drawing for a 10-speed mountain bike. And many more drawings and prizes.

Sign up in advance at the deli for a 3 p.m. hoagie eating contest — quickest one to eat a whole Italian wins.

Stop by between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and join Jerry Beebe in a live broadcast from the store on WIBG-AM 94.3

Bubba Mac and his Blues Band will perform under the awning between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Joe and Sharon Berenato, who each worked in delis as kids, decided to come down from Turnersville and buy a deli 25 years ago. They became the first owners to live above the deli year-round. The store was built in 1918 and was originally a meat market.

"People have been coming in for years with their children, and then the children grow up and bring their children in to meet us and tell us our store is part of their vacation," Berenato says. "We try to greet all customers as friends and by their name, we have been told "we are the 'Cheers' of the deli business."